Jon Berti is having one of the best 29-or-older rookie seasons in Marlins history

As Jon Berti homered against the Braves Tuesday night, continuing the late bloomer’s surprising rookie season, a question came to mind.

Is Berti having the best 29-or-older rookie season in Miami Marlins history?

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With 40 games under his belt, the 29-year-old utility man has provided Miami with a consistent lead-off threat, hitting .274/.355/.452 (115 wRC+) with four home runs, eight doubles, one triple and five stolen bases in 141 plate appearances. He’s also been one of the team’s most versatile players, lining up at shortstop, third base and all three outfield spots.

Despite missing over two months with an oblique strain, he’s posted a 1.0 WAR during that stretch.

Where does he rank in Marlins history? Granted, the vast majority of baseball players make their debuts before they’re 29, but it’s not entirely uncommon for guys to break through at a later age.

As far as hitters, Berti is on pace to have the best 29-or-older rookie season ever. In WAR, he trails only Ed Lucas, who posted a 1.2 mark in 2013. In his age 31 season, the utility man hit .251/.283/.296 (64 wRC+) with 14 doubles, four home runs and one triple in 69 games (189 plate appearances).

With six weeks left in the season, Berti is on track to surpass him in WAR and most offensive categories.

The gold standard for 29-or-older Marlins rookie seasons, however, goes to pitcher Chuck Smith in 2000. At 30, Smith started 19 games, posting a 3.23 ERA, 158 strikeouts, 54 walks and a 3.4 WAR. In the past 30 seasons, no rookie 29 or older has posted a higher WAR, per Fangraphs data.

The right-hander finished sixth in National League Rookie of the Year voting. While he only played one more MLB season, he later served two terms as the mayor of Woodmere, Ohio.

Left-hander Tommy Phelps, 29, recorded a 0.8 WAR in 2003. During the Marlins World Series year, he made 27 appearances (seven starts), notching a 4.00 ERA. Phelps was not on the team’s postseason roster, however.

If Berti finishes 2019 strong, he could move up the list for 29-or-older rookies across the league. In the past 30 seasons, there have been 122 position players who played their rookie seasons in that age range (minimum 100 plate appearances), per Fangraphs data.

Currently, Berti is 24th in WAR, despite having played in far fewer games. With 38 games remaining, he could move into the top 12, pushing past former Phillies catcher Chris Coste (1.5 WAR). In addition to WAR, Berti also has the eight-best wRC+ (115), among players in this age range.

The best position player WAR in the past 30 seasons comes from White Sox second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, 30, who had a 3.3 WAR in 2005. Finishing fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting, he hit .278/.342/.438 (105 wRC+) with 25 doubles, 15 HR and 15 SB in 135 games (582 PA).

While Berti has impressed, he’s actually not having the best 29-or-older rookie season this year. Ironically, that title goes to a player who spent the majority of his career in the Marlins organization — Austin Nola.

After spending the previous seven seasons in the Marlins’ farm system, Nola left and signed with the Mariners this offseason. Making his MLB debut in June, Nola, 29, has put together a tremendous rookie season. In 47 games, the infielder is hitting .318/.371/.558 (147 wRC+) with eight doubles, seven home runs and a 1.3 WAR.

Also of note, flame-throwing reliever Nick Anderson just missed the cut. The rookie right-hander, who was dealt at the trade deadline to the Rays along with Trevor Richards for Ryne Stanek and outfield prospect Jesus Sanchez, was 28 when the season began. Anderson, who turned 29 in July, has posted a 1.7 WAR in 53 combined relied outings.

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Kids in jerseys in free

The Marlins are providing fans 17 years and younger wearing their youth baseball or softball jersey with two complimentary tickets to Sunday’s 1:10 p.m. game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Fans can redeem their tickets to Sunday’s game at the Center Field Entrance at Marlins Park, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Groups wishing to sit together must arrive together. In addition, the first 5,000 fans 14 years and younger will receive a Kids Arm Sleeve presented by SeaWorld. For more information, go to the team’s official sites, Marlins.com and MarlinsBeisbol.com.